M777 howitzer

The M777 howitzer is a towed artillery piece that is to replace the M198 howitzer in US Marine Corps and US Army service by 2010. The M777 was developed by VSEL, a subsidiary of Marconi Land and Naval Systems, now BAE Systems Land Systems.

Design

The M777 is lighter and smaller in size, weighing 9,200 lbs, 42% lighter than the M198 it replaces. Most of the weight reduction is due to the use of titanium. The lighter weight and smaller size allows the M777 to be transported by helicopter or truck much faster, allowing it to be moved in and out of the battlefield much quicker than the M198. There is also a reduction in the gun crew size required; from 9 to 7. Although developed by a British company, assembly will be in the USA using about 70% US built parts including the gun barrel. The Canadian Armed Forces is also in possesion of several M777, and has used them in combat overseas.

Fielding

In May of 2005, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines, based at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, became the first Marine unit to begin fielding the new M777.

Specifications

As above and:

• Length:
  • 30.4 ft (9275 mm) in tow
  • 33.5 ft (10210 mm) firing mode
• Width:
  • 9.1 ft (2770 mm) in tow
  • 12.2 ft (3720 mm) firing mode
• Height: 7.4 ft (2260 mm) in tow
• Barrel life: 2650 firings
• Maximum effective range:
  • conventional ammunition (unassisted): 24.7 km,
  • rocket-assisted projectile: 30 km,
• Rate of fire:
  • 5 round/min, intense
  • 2 round/min, sustained

USMC gunners test a new M777 howitzer

Reference

• http://www.machinedesign.com/ASP/strArticleID/56460/strSite/MDSite/viewSelectedArticle.asp
• http://www.military.com/soldiertech/0,14632,Soldiertech_M777,,00.html

External links

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/lw155.htm

http://www.sfu.ca/casr/101-artym777.htm